Today we’d like to introduce you to Mona Jalwal.
Hi Mona, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a mom of three fun energetic special needs boys. A full-time IT professional working as Business Analyst. Life has not been that easy in start but my kids are the spark in my life, an energy that keeps me going. I wanted to do something that would keep me happy and positive and socially connected for my kids. I never knew my school hobby of crafting will be something that I would be pursuing to start my own business someday. I loved art, music and craft in childhood. I had not much experience in party planning however I had sense and understanding of presentation and planning. House and friend’s party planning and decoration was the only experience I had to start with.
We moved as family to Austin in 2016 and around 2018, I thought of taking my this passion to next level and jump into event planning and decorating industry. Austin had a lot of potential for this profession, people were ready for an experience of enjoying their own party without any stress and that inspired me to start with MSJ Event LLC, Event Planner and Decorator. It was a perfect step, I never felt that happy and satisfied, it’s tiring but I am happy what I do.
My first event was a success and my clients loved it, since then it’s no looking back. I love creating something unique for my every client, be it a small birthday party or a big 300 people wedding. My attention, dedication and planning details are same no matter what. My clients give my reference and they are my word of mouth. Since then, I have plenty of experience with a lot of variety of work to add in my portfolio.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been smooth for sure. I had challenges to handle to three kids, who are special needs, my full-time job and meeting clients, doing follow-ups to inquiries, making them convinced that they are in good hands. Of course, it was a personal investment at first to start the business, people did not had trust if I would do justice to what they will be paying, they had doubts, I had found some hard clients as well. They were my learning lessons to grow further but I did not gave up. I would say my people skill and respect to them and giving me their business has helped me to cross those initial hurdles and made me more determined and wise to keep it going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an Austin-based Event Planner and Decorator. I help people in planning their big and small events, making them enjoy their own party. For me, every event is special which needs full dedication, attention and creativity to make it successful. I have a motto of my business “Don’t wait for the memories… Let’s Create them”. Why wait for happiness when you can create one. I help people planning their events. They come to me with a reason to celebrate.. it could be a birthday, graduation, baby shower, house warming, engagement, reception or wedding, as an event planner I understand their requirements meeting them personally, understand their vision and plan the event for them to enjoy. I help in getting all required vendors on board for them like photographers, videographer, Cake, venue, caterer, bartender, servers, entertainer.. anything and anyone their event would need. I plan the timeline of the event incorporating any special requests or personal performances from hosts or guests. I provide directions to all the vendors coming in so they are aware what they will be delivering. I set the expectations from the vendors. I do my own event decorations as well. The decorations of the event is based on the theme and I do lot of customization to create the uniqueness for my clients. I try not to repeat my own work, which is challenging to think of something different every time, but I have been able to deliver that to my clients and that has given them an opportunity to actually enjoy their own party with their friends without any stress.
I feel happy and proud when I see my clients happy and enjoying the party with their guests and when they come and say, “We have actually enjoyed our party for the first time ever” or when they say, “We did not feel any stress for the first time throwing a party”. When the guests come and say, “The moment we stepped in, we knew it was a party planned and decorated by you” These compliments make me feel proud and give me assurance I am definitely doing something right which keeps me going and gives more memories to enjoy and cherish.
My style of working sets me apart. My attention to detail, communication to my inquiries or my clients makes them feel special. My quick response to them makes them feel they have been acknowledged. That is the trust they find in me. I pay same attention to every event, small or big, personal or corporate. For me, every event is an opportunity to create the uniqueness for my clients. I treat every event as my own personal event and for which I not only make clients but they become friends in the journey.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Every event I do has a lesson left behind for me to grow further and improve. I have learned no matter who your client is, respect them and respect their business and trust in you. For any artist or any entrepreneur, people and community around us have made them successful in whatever they are doing, being humble, kind, and respectful makes that trust go a long way. This is true for any business, any relationship.
Contact Info:
- Email: msjevent@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjevent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jalwalm
Image Credits:
UnityREEL Bhuvana Dhinesh Photography + Films
